BTS fans flood military communities with worry over enlisted member Jin


By AGENC

Fans hold up cards with pictures on it as they wait for the arrival of Jin outside a South Korean army boot camp in Yeoncheon, South Korea. Photo: Reuters

Ever since South Korean singer Jin from superstar K-pop boy band BTS enlisted in mandatory military service earlier in December, his fans have not been able to stop worrying about him.

K-pop media outlet Allkpop reported that fans of Jin – whose real name is Kim Seok-jin – have been flooding an online military community with their concern over the 30-year-old singer’s well-being, much to the frustration of other enlistees’ families.

The target of fan support is the “5th division key unit family love room” message board on a South Korean online community called The Camp.

Examples of fan messages about Jin included queries about his diet, such as: “Do you often give foods that contain potatoes, garlic and fish? Because Jin is allergic to those foods, that is why I am asking if those foods are given out often.”

In response, other members of the community have complained, pointing out that “Jin is not the only person who enlisted in the military” and “it’s so hard to ask about my son or find information”.

The Camp community administrators have now created a separate message board for Jin’s fans, called “BTS’s Jin A.R.M.Y.”, in hopes of ringfencing Jin-related queries.

An administrator also asked that fans ease off their messages. “If there are too many letters being uploaded, the computer server will go down and other soldiers may not be able to receive their letters from their families and friends.”

“Please use the (K-pop) fan community Weverse instead of sending letters on the bulletin board... I am personally asking the fans with the heart of the parents who are also worried about the new trainees,” added the unnamed administrator.

Jin began his 18-month stint at a military bootcamp in the northern county of Yeongcheon, where frontline troops are deployed on guard against North Korea.

BTS had revealed in June that they were going on hiatus, citing exhaustion and pressure, as well as their plans to explore solo pursuits. But analysts said the announcement was strategically timed because of the compulsory military duty.

The band will reunite around 2025 when its seven members have completed their service. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network

   

Next In Entertainment

Brunei-born star Wu Chun opens up about 20 years of insomnia: ‘I sleep less than 6 hours a night’
TVB star Karlie Chung shows off her flexibility while grocery shopping; but her outfit steals the show
South Korean defence ministry denies special treatment for BTS’ V amid phone use allegations
Actor Jung Woo-sung admits to being father of model Moon Ga-bi’s child
Chuck Woolery, first host of Wheel Of Fortune, dies at 83
Famous Chinese singer Zhang Mi battles cancer for third time, faces surgery to cut half her tongue
Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau spotted dancing at Taylor Swift concert in Toronto
Pahang Sultan, Tengku Ampuan extend condolences over Ahmad Nawab's death
Carina Lau celebrates husband Tony Leung's honorary doctorate: 'Congratulations, Dr Leung'
Singaporean filmmaker wins Best New Director with his wife at Golden Horse Awards

Others Also Read